Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn and his wife, Lindsey, have supported House of Hope for nearly two years since taking over as hosts of the Touchdowns for Hope fundraising gala.

Former hosts Greg and Nicole Jennings approached the Kuhns about following in their footsteps as hosts of the event which generates $100,000 annually for the shelter. This money has allowed the shelter to open more rooms, house more women and reduce the shelter's waiting list.

"As we did the event, we realized how great the charity of House of Hope is, so we decided to keep that as a main program to get involved, not just for Touchdowns for Hope but also the rest of the year," John said.

Through their involvement with Touchdowns for Hope, the Kuhns were able to get a firsthand glimpse of the community's need for a shelter that serves young mothers and their children.

"It was really eye-opening for me to see that a lot of the women in the shelter are there through no fault of their own," Lindsey said. "It's just the circumstances that they've been thrust into and they're doing their best to provide better for their children and their future."

John said the No. 1 highlight of his relationship with House of Hope has been meeting the residents, past and present, and witness the impact the organization has in their lives.

"We've gotten to meet them at our Touchdowns for Hope gala the past couple years and that is truly the most rewarding part," John said. "When you see these girls, hear their stories and see the smiles on their faces, that's the best part."

The Kuhns believe that without the House of Hope, these women would continue to live in homelessness and lack the stability to create positive home environments for their children.

House of Hope "really helps to create a strong home dynamic and to see that firsthand, to see the growth, is inspiring for us to not just stick with it again, but really feel good about what we're doing," John said.

Lindsey said she enjoys helping other women gain footing as independent adults and mothers.

"It's nice to get in there on the ground and get our hands dirty helping these women we have come to adore," she said.

Executive Director Shannon Wienandt said the Kuhns have impacted House of Hope both financially and by generating awareness of the organization and its mission.

"They have such big hearts, you know, and it seems like they are always willing to help," Wienandt said, pausing to collect her thoughts as emotion takes over, "and I am so thankful for that. They just kind of came to us with open arms and said, 'Where do we start?'"

According to Wienandt, the Kuhns' magnetic personalities and can-do spirit are contagious and inspire others to get involved.

"John is a good friend of everyone on the team. I'm not even exaggerating," she said. "He's one of those people and his wife is the same way. They're the kind of people you're drawn to in the sense that you know they would be a good, true friend."

From attending early morning committee meetings to donating supplies and food, the Kuhns' involvement with House of Hope extends well beyond the annual fundraiser.

"They practice what they preach. They don't just show up at the event. They are really a big, big part of it," Wienandt said.

Having the Kuhns as spokespeople has increased awareness of the organization which has translated into financial support in some cases.

"John spoke to a foundation not too long ago and we got a $10,000 dollar check from them. It's stuff like that," Wienandt said. "We wouldn't be able to do the wonderful things we do without them."

Wienandt is constantly surprised by the Kuhns' generosity. At this year's Touchdowns for Hope live auction, John volunteered on the spot to donate his time for a second football party guest appearance after the first, and supposedly only, party sold well.

"They will do things for us that we don't even know they're thinking, like this 30 Days of Hope program," she said. "That was amazing that they would say that House of Hope should be involved in this wonderful opportunity. We couldn't be more thankful."

Wienandt said one of the biggest ways the Kuhns have impacted House of Hope is by serving as role models for other contributors and the residents.

"They're always volunteering, raising their hand and getting involved. The girls who live here see that, they see that they care and that's a big deal," she said. "It really has been a special partnership."